For the last 7 weeks, I’ve been attending a Border Patrol Citizens Academy class every Thursday night for 4 hours. One of our close friends is a BP agent and told us about this program that’s available to the public for a more in depth look into the lives and jobs of Border agents. The class was pretty small – only 12 people were selected  and most of them were family/friends of agents themselves. I thought it would be a great opportunity so I applied, and in the end I was lucky enough to be invited to attend.

Over the course of the 7 weeks, we learned SO much about the ins and outs of this organization. The job these people have is grueling, exhaustive, terrifying and more times than not, unappreciated. We ran through countless scenarios of real life situations only to end up laughing and making jokes about it because we would always mess something up. We were lucky that for us it was just a game, because in real life a mistake can cause these agents to lose their lives. We went out to checkpoints, ran around in the desert, shot guns, handcuffed people, toured the BP facility and Airforce base and in the end came away with a clearer picture of what these people do.

I have always appreciated what our Border agents do to protect our state and our country – after this class, I’m even more appreciative. It’s amazing to me what these people give up for this job – Yes, they make really good money, but they earn every damn penny of it. Not only do they suffer under the tremendous amount of stress and pressure, but their families do as well. The men and women who selflessly serve our country this way (and in any capacity for that matter) will always have my complete respect and admiration.